The virtual sacrament : a literature survey of the Eucharist as liturgical ritual online

Abstract:

In this study, the Eucharist as a liturgical ritual celebrated in the online space is
explored. The study begins with an exploration of the terms worship, liturgy and
ritual, settling on the term liturgical ritual. The methodology of practical theological
interpretation is then considered, with the first step, the descriptive-empirical task
being undertaken. The conceptual framework for the study is located within the postmodern
discourse of liminality, using the metaphors of language, play, bricolage,
embodiment, time and space to explore the intersection of liturgical ritual, network
culture and liminality. A literature survey considers the research completed in the
area of online ritual, and highlights two major themes, those of embodiment and
community, which challenge the Eucharist online becoming a reality.